The morning sun filtered through the flour-dusted windows of Sweet Endings Bakery, casting a warm glow over the counter piled high with croissants. "I heard Martha was the last person to see him alive." "That's what everyone's saying, but Martha wouldn't hurt a fly. Besides, she was at book club until ten." "Was she though? Because Linda mentioned she left early. Something about checking on her cat." "Linda says a lot of things." A pause, then the sound of a knife slicing through sourdough. "You want your usual? Blueberry scone?" "Make it two. One for Deputy Morrison." "Oh? The deputy now, is it?" "Don't start. He's just been asking questions around town, same as everyone else. Figured he could use some breakfast." "Convenient. Very convenient." The register dinged open. "That'll be seven-fifty." "You know what I think? I think whoever did it is probably long gone by now." "Maybe. Or maybe they're counting on us thinking exactly that." The bell above the door chimed as a customer entered. Both women fell silent, exchanging knowing glances before bright smiles replaced their serious expressions. "Good morning, Mrs. Chen! What can we get you today?"